Through Adversity, UMD Ready for Playoffs

By
KBJR News 1

April 29, 2014Updated Apr 29, 2014 at 10:44 PM CDT

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) softball team will be trying this weekend for that program's first-ever Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) tournament title, and the Bulldogs hope some regular season challenges have prepared them for the playoffs.

"I think with all the adversity we've had to overcome again this season," head coach Jen Banford said, "I think we really have started to peak at the right time and turn the corner to get ready for playoffs."

Perhaps the biggest piece of adversity UMD had to face was the loss of senior pitcher Megan Mullen, who has only stepped into the pitcher's circle twice this year after having elbow surgery in the offseason.

UMD is the No. 6 seed in the NSIC tournament and will open the double-elimination format with a game against No. 3 seed Augustana, with that contest set for a 12:00 p.m. start on Thursday in Sioux Falls, S.D.